Irem Koc | Shanti Psychotherapy

Meet Irem Koc

Registered Psychotherapist (Q)

RP (Q)

She / Her

You might look like you’re coping on the outside while feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or constantly in your head on the inside. If you’ve spent a long time carrying things on your own, starting therapy can feel overwhelming.

Anxiety and depression can show up in many ways, such as racing thoughts that won’t slow down, a constant sense of heaviness, emotional numbness, or feeling disconnected from yourself and the people you care about. I offer a calm, supportive space where you can slow down, feel heard, and begin to make sense of what you’re carrying, without judgment or pressure to have it all figured out.

I work with Children, Teens, Adults, Couples and International University and College students who may be struggling with anxiety, overthinking, rumination, depression or low mood, relationship concerns, identity questions, or the stress of navigating multiple cultural expectations. Together, we focus on understanding what’s beneath the surface while also developing practical tools to help you feel more grounded, emotionally regulated, and connected in your daily life.

As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), my approach is person-centred, trauma-informed and culturally responsive. I integrate CBT, DBT, attachment-based, and psychodynamic perspectives, along with mindfulness-informed practices. Therapy with me is collaborative and paced to your individual needs.

As a Turkish therapist living and practicing in a Western context, I deeply understand the tension between collectivistic and individualistic cultures. I’ve never felt fully at home in just one, and I recognize how confusing and isolating it can be to move between worlds. Many of my clients come from diverse cultural backgrounds and value working with a therapist who truly understands the nuances of their experience.

I believe therapy is not about fixing you, but about reconnecting with parts of yourself that may have been silenced, stretched thin, or overlooked over time. If you’re seeking a therapist who understands anxiety, depression, identity, and the quiet struggle of belonging, I would be honoured to work with you.

Sessions are available in both Turkish and English.

Please book a no-charge 20-minute consultation to explore whether we’re a good fit.

Not every relationship that starts with connection ends in safety.Toxic relationships often develop slowly — through patterns that create confusion, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion. Over time, you may find yourself questioning your feelings, minimizing your needs, or walking on eggshells.Recognizing these patterns is the first step.�Healing takes time, support, and self-compassion.
You deserve relationships that feel safe, respectful, and steady.If you’re navigating the impact of a toxic relationship, therapy can help you rebuild your sense of self and move forward with clarity.#toxicrelationships #mentalhealthawareness #therapy #healingjourney #selfworth boundaries emotionalwellbeing

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“Narcissism” is a word we hear often — but it’s more than confidence or a big ego.
Narcissistic patterns can include manipulation, lack of accountability, and a strong need for admiration, often leaving others feeling confused, invalidated, or emotionally drained.Understanding these dynamics can help you recognize what’s happening and begin to set healthier boundaries.
You are allowed to protect your well-being.If you’re struggling in a relationship impacted by these patterns, therapy can provide support, clarity, and tools to move forward.Learn more on our website, in a blog post by Registered Psychotherapist Rashmi Kumar!#narcissism #mentalhealth #therapy #boundaries selfawareness healing emotionalhealth psychotherapy

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Are you 14–24 years old, based in Toronto, and ready for real conversations about sexual and reproductive health?
Join us at the Sexual & Reproductive Health (SRH) Youth Summit, hosted by Our Kids’ Health Network, on March 29, 2026.
This full-day, in-person event will bring together youth, healthcare professionals, and community organizations for interactive workshops and discussions focused on evidence-based sexual and reproductive health education. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, challenge myths, and connect with trusted experts and organizations through engaging community booths.
✨This summit centers youth voices, credible information, and creating space for honest and respectful dialogue. This is a free event, and lunch will be provided. Attendees will also receive a digital certificate of attendance. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Event details:
📅 March 29, 2026
🕘 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📍 Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto
🎟️ Cost: FREE (a $10 gift card will be provided to support local transportation)
👥 Who: Youth ages 14–24
👉 Register by March 15 using the QR code or the following link: https://lnkd.in/esmqdPZk
👉 For more information about the event: https://bit.ly/srhinfo
Know someone who should attend? Please share this post!
#SRHYouthSummit #OurKidsHealth #YouthHealth #SexualHealth #YouthEngagement

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Sitting with feelings, especially difficult ones, is a hard but important skill. Tolerating and soothing difficult feelings until they pass is an important skill that for most people is not taught or modeled well in our society that tends to avoid intense feelings. 💪🏽This ability bolsters our other skills of practicing grace, processing our emotions and allowing ourselves to move forwards towards the goals and life we want to curate. It’s important to explore and be curious about the emotions we are experiencing, to recognize what they are, to allow yourself to feel them. All emotions can be observed and supported with compassion until the feelings lesson.✨#emotionfocusedtherapy #therapytoronto #therapiststoronto #southasiantherapist #

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a little tour of our etobicoke space ✨
this is where anhad and our team of therapists work with teens, adults, couples, and families.

we support adhd, ocd, mood challenges, relationship concerns, and mental health struggles — in a space designed to feel calm, safe, and welcoming.#etobicoke #therapyspace #mentalhealthsupport #adhdsupport #ocdsupport

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